134 FREAKS OF PLANT LIFE. 



rebounds and cuts off all chance of escape. Occasion- 

 ally creatures are found fixed in the opening, held by 

 the pressure of the valve, and unable to extricate 

 themselves. No evidence could be obtained that the 

 valves are at all sensitive, as they would not respond 

 to pricking, scratching, or brushing. All that can be 

 affirmed is, that aquatic insects, and like animals 

 enter the bladders by forcing down the valve, and 

 then passing through the slit, which closes after 

 them, and prevents any return. Observations on this 

 process were made by Mrs. Trent, of New Jersey, as 

 witnessed in an American species of Utricularia 

 {JJtricularia clandestine!). She says : " The entrance 

 into the bladder has the appearance of a tunnel net,, 

 always open at the large end but closed at the other 

 extremity. The little animals seemed to be attracted 

 into this inviting retreat. They would sometimes 

 dally about the open entrance for a short time, but 

 would sooner or later venture in, and easily open or 

 push apart the closed entrance at the other extremity. 

 As soon as the animal was fairly in, the forced 

 entrance closed, making it a secure prisoner. I was 

 very much amused in watching a water-bear (Tardi- 

 grada) entrapped. It went slowly walking round the 

 bladder, as if reconnoitring, very much like its larger 



1 Reprinted from ",New York Tribune," in " Gardener's 

 Chronicle," 1875, p. 303. 



